Page 25 of Marked
The first new hall I come to, I slip down the short flight of stairs and barrel out into an adjacent open atrium. Surrounded on three sides by the manor, sparse trees seem to vie for space amidst the old cobbled paths. I turn around slowly, taking it in, and stop when my gaze lands on a two-story parking deck. Gleaming SUVs, trucks, and sleek cars wait in neat rows inside the towering stone walls. Cameras and barb wire rim the rooftop, each deadly implement barely visible under the cover of night.
I walk down the nearest path to the stone structure, head tilted back in wonder as I enter. “How big is this place?” I mutter, taking in the concrete walls, expensive cars, and apparent armory to one side of the building.
“A lot bigger than you expect.” The voice is vaguely familiar.
I spin.
The dark-haired man from the door last night leans back against a cherry-red Viper, slim dagger in hand. His eyes are the same shade as the car as they trail over me. “Captain’sguest...” He smirks. “How did you manage to get bored of all the quiet slavery inside?”
I blink. “Well ...”
He pushes away from the front bumper and stalks closer; his silk slacks are tight over the muscle in his thighs. “I imagine ...” he circles me, “that’s because you are all alone.” His voice glides over my skin, pulling something needy from inside me. A wave of heat surfaces, but it’s mild compared to the torture of being around Ruin.
“I don’t mind being alone.”
He clicks his tongue. “A sweet bird such as yourself? You need to be tasted. Many, many times.” He inhales close to my shoulder. A flash of blood-red light blares out of my peripheral.
I whirl. “What are you doing?”
His eyes shimmer with brilliant ruby flames. “I can taste the desire pouring from you, little bird. It’s decadent, like dark chocolate and cream on my tongue.” He trembles. “And I bet your flesh tastes like it too.”
My face heats, and my hand flies before I can stop it.
He stumbles back under the blow, more surprise than actual pain in his features as he touches his reddening cheek. “Oww. My ego,” he quips.
“Dream on, asshole,” I snarl.
Something deadly roils through his gaze. “You have no idea what I dream about, little bird.” His shoulders rise and fall, pulling at the thin material of his shirt. “But I know what you dream of.”
I step back, angry and confused. “I’m looking for Ruin. Do you know where I can find him?” I snap.
Carnelian irises flash, the look knowing. “Our fearless leader will be in the tunnels this eve. Allow me to escort you?” He offers me his arm. I ignore him with a scowl.
His lips flow into a pout, pulling at the thinner top bow. But the motion is emotionless as it never reaches farther than his thinner lips. “Alas, you continue to wound my pride.”
I snort. “Can it.”
“As you like. Follow me.” With one more cursory glance, he starts off through the back of the parking deck. I hesitate for a second before falling into step behind him.
The farther we go into the parking deck, the more it closes up. Fortified. High concrete walls, with no open panels, leave Louisiana humidity suffocating in the confined space. It makes heat cloy in my mouth and lungs, despite the darkness. I wipe at the sweat on my brow.
“I am Caine, by the way.”
I glance at the dark-haired man in surprise. “Lilah. Lilah Marks.”
He dips his head. “You are the talk of the colony right now.”
I stiffen. “I can’t imagine why.”
“Let’s just say, it is not often the good Captain brings home a stray.”
My lips curl. “I’m not a stray. I’m ahuman. And your Captain brought me here after bringing the local uniforms down on my job.” Though it wasn’t because of Ruinspecifically... It was from the uproar.
He peers back at me, eyes dancing. “So youarethe Carnage waitress Tanner and Gage spoke of.”
I shut my mouth and keep walking, realizing he just backed me into one hell of a corner.
What the hell are they all saying about me?
